Football on brink of goal-line technology, reveals Blatter

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that at least two goal-line technology systems have proved themselves fast and accurate and could be in place for the 2012-13 season.

Testing of nine systems is currently taking place and Blatter said the Brazil 2014 World Cup would have goal-line technology that met all of FIFA's demands.

Take Blat: The FIFA chief says goal-line technology will be in place for the 2014 World Cup

The systems that have been worked on
for years by British firm Hawk-Eye and German company Cairos are likely
to be the ones closest to passing the tests.

Blatter also re-stated his insistence
that the 2022 World Cup will definitely take place in Qatar despite
calls for last year's vote to be investigated.

On technology, Blatter told German
newspaper Bild a decision would be taken by the International Football
Association Board (IFAB) in March at a meeting in London.

Over the line: Goal-line technology could be introduced next season

He said: 'There are now systems that
combine precision, speed and are uncomplicated. We are now in the
testing phase and the IFAB will vote in March 2012 in London over using
this resource. If the final decision is made, it can be used from the
2012-13 season.'

Test: FIFA test goal line technology at Rochdale football club

He added in Spanish sports daily El
Mundo Deportivo: 'Brazil 2014 will have technology to avoid phantom
goals. FIFA has two good systems that meet all the demands we set:
reliability, immediacy and not being difficult to use.'

Blatter also stood by FIFA's decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

He said: 'The 2022 World Cup will
definitely take place in Qatar and with my full confidence. This has
been firmly established by a democratic process.'

The 75-year-old also said he would
not step down as president before 2015, the date he announced earlier
this year for his retirement.

He added: 'FIFA is a boat that we are
piloting through autumn storms and I have to lead it into calm waters
again. We have a lot of work to do and my father taught me to never
quit. In our family, we carried on until we achieved our goals.

'By 2013 we can steer back into those
calmer waters. Then I will have two years to hoist the sails in order
to enjoy the sailing trip and then I can say "Goodbye".'